Our Process

Creating a beautiful garden is a process. It doesn’t happen overnight and requires inquiry, planning, research, proper execution, and maintenance.

Get in touch

Thinking about hiring a landscape designer? We understand that deciding whether you need a landscape design or not can be a difficult task. If you are unsure, fill out our short form with a description of your project your goals and we will help you determine if a landscape design is the right choice for you and your space. You can also give us a call at 360.863.3224. Ready to start the design process? The best way for us to get started is to schedule a free phone consultation so that we can begin to get to know each other, discuss your goals, timeline, budget, preferences, and answer any questions that you may have. Your garden, like your home, should be a reflection of you: your personal style, your lifestyle, and your resources. The more information we have about you and what your goals are, the better we can help you achieve those goals!

Initial on-site consultation and site evaluation

The next step in the process is to schedule an initial on-site consultation and site evaluation. At this meeting we will come prepared with specific information about your site to aid us in determining what is possible. We will walk your property with you, discuss what your likes and dislikes are about your garden now, make suggestions regarding layout and design elements, answer any questions you might have (about everything from plant care to the landscape design process) and get to know you a little better. This meeting is a great time to go over any photos you may have of concepts you like as well as view our portfolio of work. There is a $250 fee for this consultation.

Design proposal

A detailed design proposal will be given to you at the on-site consultation and site evaluation meeting detailing the scope of the design work, elements to be included in the design, and the cost of the design. Upon agreement to the terms, a signed proposal, and a 50% deposit we will schedule to begin work on your project.

Site survey

The next step is for us to conduct a site survey to take into account the existing garden and conditions, map out boundaries and take other measurements required for the preparation of the landscape plan. We take photographs and note existing hardscape and plant material. Client supplied site plans and/or existing survey information is helpful and can accelerate the process and possibly reduce the cost.

Conceptual designs

One or more concept plans will be created to give you visual layouts outlining our ideas combined with your requests and preferences in various layouts. We will meet to go over these concepts and to discuss proposed plant material and hardscape options to give you a feel for the space and the opportunity to select materials that appeal to you.

Master landscape plan

The final step in the design process is to assemble everything that appealed to you in one or more of the concept plans, elements, and materials, and prepare the final master plan. Depending on the scope of the project the Master Plan can include one to all of the following: Site Layout Plan, Planting Plan, Lighting Plan, Irrigation Plan, and 3d landscape Modeling. A packet with plant photos, botanical and common names, quantities, sizes, and maintenance guidelines are included with the Master Plan.

Client Representative Services

When you are ready to implement your project, we will be with you every step of the way, from the bid process to the installation of the landscape design. The best result is obtained when we work with the landscape contractors from start to finish to ensure the vision of the design is executed the way it was intended. We work with several contractors who offer excellent customer service, do quality work, and have positive reputations and references. The landscape contractors we partner with are fully licensed, bonded and insured. If the installation of the project is something you would like to do yourself we can help guide you through that process as well.

“Wow, it’s hard to narrow down what the best part of working with Sublime Garden Design is. Heidi made the whole project from demo to finish completely worry free. I knew she would make everything perfect. The best part is the results. She has completely transformed the exterior of our house. The yard is so well thought out that with every season we get a new surprise; whether it’s flowers, colorful blooms, or berries, it’s beautiful all year round.” —Kim and Chris W. (Seattle)See what other clients have said…